A Walk Among The Creatures

By T.L. Chapman

Unicorns, Yetis and the majestic Phoenix have one thing in common. Mankind couldn't have been more wrong about them.

If anyone would have asked Glade what the world was like outside of his village's hidden valley, he could only reply with what he had read about it. That is, if he wouldn't immediately get banished for reading or interacting

• Language: English
• Publisher: Deep Holler Publishing House
• Release date: Jan 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869044716

Book preview

The Harvest

Glade stood completely motionless, the same way he had for over an hour already. I am so screwed. He gripped a spear that was too large for him even if he was twice his actual size. The muscles in his arms had already far passed painful and had solidified themselves as if made of stone. Until that point, success had seemed like a possibility, except for one tiny issue. Sweat. He thought at some point the sun must have become angry at the fact he was doing well and cranked itself above what Glade had even known possible. Now, he was sweating heavily, and it was becoming a distraction.

One bead of sweat slowly ran down Glade's neck. To most hunters, the need to focus on your prey would overtake anything else. Not with him. He always had a problem getting distracted by the smallest thing. It didn’t matter if it was a small animal running along the grass, a conversation between people that was just far enough away for him to hear, or just the soft sound of wind dancing between the pines up above.

Glade had been proud of himself for staying focused on the plan at hand today until this annoyance of perspiration descended towards his back.

The tickle of warm liquid moving across his skin was now pulling at every muscle to wipe it away. Glade knew that if he moved, he may scare away any creatures in the area and he would once again return empty handed to the Harvest Festival.

A tiny droplet had already broken his concentration, and his spear shook in his hands. Why, of all days, is it so hot on this one? If it rolled down his spine, he’s done for.

He slowly reached to his neck and swiped away the pester. Immediately, he knew this was a poor decision. As soon as he felt the relief, his arm must have wanted relief too and gave up holding onto his spear. It dropped towards the boulder beneath his feet. As if all of his nerve endings jumped at once, Glade's reflexes kicked in and he jerked down to catch it just before striking the stone. He successfully avoided a large clanking noise that would have alerted every creature in a hundred yards. But, he was also successful at alerting the very large and now very furious creature that stood hidden twenty feet from him.

The Yheleon had materialized out of thin air before letting out a blood-curdling scream and taking off between the thick underbrush. One reason it was so hard to catch was the Yheleon's ability to camouflage itself by making their fur reflect whatever surrounded them.

Glade picked up his spear, jumped down from the boulder, and took off after his prey. For an enormous creature, it was fast. He had to watch his footing, taking care to leap over the creature’s massive footprints.

I wonder if that's why the old ones called them bigfoot. Or was it bigfeet? He pondered the verbiage for a few moments until an imprint of its big toe tripped him and got back on track.

Glade made his way through the twisted trail of interlocking pines. He jumped over a pair of identical downed tree, setting his worries aside.

After tracking the broken path the Yheleon left behind, Glade slowed down to catch his breath. Somehow, after everything that had gone wrong, his plan had seemed to have worked. The Yheleon ran in the one direction he needed it too. Everyone knew Glade wasn't the best hunter, including him. So he played to his own strengths.

The two downed trees were anchors he had made days before. Tied to them were a tangling of large vines that ran up into the branches above. The vines were still loose, so his trap hadn't tripped yet. Glade passed back and forth, calculating how fast the creature had been running. A grin formed across his muddied face as he leaned against a nearby tree. Three, two, one and Glade's smirk drooped. He walked back to the vines and checked everything over again. It should have tripped the line by now! What happened? he sat down on one of the logs. Frustrated, he ran his hands through his hair. He snapped his fingers. The tension delay! he exclaimed.

SNAP!

Glade wasn't sure if the sound of something snapping was the snare finally being tripped or the sound of his spine. Once the tension in the vines reached the anchors, the logs jerked forward, catching themselves on some large boulders. What he had not planned was to be sitting on them, involuntarily turning himself into a flying sack of stupid that was now tumbling through the unforgiving branches of the nearest tree.

After his body bounced off what felt like the one-hundredth tree branch, Glade's body slammed into the ground. Landing on his neck had never been more welcome. Once he could stand, he noticed he had traveled at least forty yards in the air.

The trip would have been exiting if his back didn’t flush with a sharp pain every time he took a step. Glade imagined how he could build a harness to make it a more comfortable launch and how he would make a safe landing spot out of moss to insure there are no tree related injuries.

Disgruntled growls echoed through the forest, snapping him out of a long train of thought that was guaranteed to continue on, with no destination. Harvest Festival. The hunt.

Glade may have been one of the smartest people in his village, but his intense interest in everything always crippled him.

Dipping between the trees, he emerged on a narrow path. Every stick and bush he touched was attaching to him, thanks to the sap his landing tree had graciously lathered him in. Even that couldn't take his eyes off what awaited in the clearing.

His trap had worked. Hanging a few feet off the ground was the Yheleon. It fought against the intricate net that Glade had woven from vines. As he approached his catch, he noticed the creature was constantly trying to camouflage itself. Every time it struggled against the net, its camouflage would break, and it would be visible again.

When the Yheleons were standing, most were twice as tall as the average person. Only up close could he notice they were not all that bulky. Its color shifting fur made up most of its mass, like a fluffy mirage of its size. Wherever it pressed against the net, it appeared to have quite a lean physique. Glade gave the net a large berth. There’s nothing more frightening than a cornered animal. It was even worse when you lost your weapon while flying the air.

He picked up a large rock nearby and inched closer as he studied the creature's movements. No one had ever been this close to a Yheleon. Normally, they ran away after being surprised by hunting parties. Their amazing ability to hide themselves had been the primary reason no one had captured them. Yheleons were not aggressive, even when threatened. For such an intimidating beast, they are skittish.

Glade was close enough to see the face of his new prize that hung out of a gap in the net. It was plain and flat. Three beady black eyes lined each side of its face, constantly looking in different directions. Every time he stopped walking, it would calm down and camouflage itself again. The moment he would ease his way towards it, the camouflage broke, and the creature began flailing and screaming.

Other than realizing that its vision depended on motion, he had a realization of something not as pleasing. It wasn’t lashing out in anger, it trembled in fear.

Taking out a vicious, angry beast that was snarling and wanting to rip out your throat was easy to wrap your head around. Glade quickly realized this was not one of those situations. He had trapped a creature that, if not provoked, he probably wouldn't have even known was there.

I have to do this. His own voice didn't reassure that this was an honorable kill. The more he studied the Yheleon, the more it seemed as if this creature understood the situation.

Raising the rock above his head, Glade stepped even closer to the net. I can't come back empty handed again. His voice cracked. It was quiet as all six eyes locked with his own. If he didn't know better, he would think the creature was listening to him. His hands shook, as if even his own body was telling him this wasn't right. There was only a couple of feet between Glade and his victim. Every step felt like a part of his moral fortitude was being ripped from his soul.

The Yheleon laid motionless. Could it still see him? All six eyes closed at once, and a low hum replaced its frantic breaths. It had given up. Glade swung the rock with full force, smashing it on the ground in front of him.

The urge to sob hung in his throat. What was he going to do? They will ridicule him for failing again. If he had any chance of gaining respect from the village, it had to be now. But at what cost? Could he really take the life of an innocent creature just to gain notoriety? Everyone already thought of him as a freak. Can tie a dozen different knots but can’t throw a spear. If someone needed a basket, he could weave one, but if a beast attacked, he would freeze. This was his last shot to prove his worth.

The Yheleon’s eyes shot open and shifted around frantically. Two of them landed on Glade and the other four homed in on something behind him. It became still, shifting its color once more.

All the hairs on his neck stood up. Run, freeze, close your eyes and try to disappear like the Yheleon. His mind simultaneously snapped back and forth between all possible and impossible options.

An arrow whistled overhead, followed by a loud snap. The vine holding up the net had been severed. The bundle of fur slammed into the earth inches from Glade.

In an instant, the creature untangled itself from the netting. Discovering something new was a repeating supply of joy in Glade’s life. But his new discovery of what an agitated Yheleon looks like was not one of them. It hunched down over him on all fours, letting out deeper growls than he had ever heard. Two of its eyes locked on Glade, who couldn't stop shaking.

If the creature could only see things in motion, he might as well have been painting it a picture with fire. The other four eyes remained on the newcomer.

Baring its shockingly small, rounded teeth, it lowered itself towards Glade. He had to fight the urge to shield his throat. Just make it fast. He whispered.

Be gone! the words rippled through the surrounding air. The high-pitched, lilting feminine voice didn’t quite match the intensity of the current situation. If not for the snarling beast, it would have been comical. To his surprise, the Yheleon backed away from Glade, letting him get to his feet. The voice wrapped around them instead of coming from any single direction. I said go!

With a shake of its head, the Yheleon stood up and ran into the forest. Glade turned to thank his savior, but stopped when an object pressed into his spine. The voice had the same feminine lilt, but was now deeper and more intimidating. Now it's your turn, Boy.

The Net

Every muscle in Glade's body had tensed. He tried not to move, even in the slightest. The woman had snuck up directly behind him without making a sound.

You have gotten great at stalking. If only you could fix that horrible little girl voice, you may even scare a squirrel, eventually. Glade snorted. He could no longer hold in his laughter. A staff cracked him lightly on his head. He stumbled forward, gasping for air between chuckles. Glade turned around to see rage in the eyes of his savior.

Standing in front of him was a slim girl with jet black hair. Her face was so red he worried that steam was going to come out of her ears. Her piercing caramel eyes didn’t reach his chin and reduced the effect of rage that emanating from them. She held a longbow above her head, ready to strike again. Well, isn't that just dandy, Dandi? Glade rubbed his head and ducked away.

Don't call me that! She stepped forward, threating another lump. Glade jumped back, tripping over the stone he had dropped, and landed on his back. Between uncontrollable laughter, Okay-okay, Deedee. She kicked his leg. Fine. Call me whatever you want grass patch.

Glade got up and dusted himself off. Why are you even out here? You're not required to take part in the hunt anymore. Dandi gestured to the crumpled netting on the ground. It looks like it's a good thing I was. If not, you would have been pummeled to death by that Yheleon. Glade waved off her comment. I would have been fine. If you don't recall, I was completely in control before you shot down my net.

Was that control before or after you cried like a youngling? She raised an eyebrow.

I wasn't crying. I got sweat in my eyes and dropped the rock. He started gathering the netting. Dandi rolled her eyes. Sure, that is what we will tell everyone.

She grabbed an armload of the net and followed Glade over to some bushes, where he hid the rest of the net. Why did you even try to use this thing? You know it’s forbidden.

Glades shoulders slouched. I had to come back with something this time. Something big. He ran the complex netting through his fingers, admiring his own work. I'm good at this. He threw the last bit behind the brush. I've never been good at hunting, you know that.

There is no honor in breaking the rules, Glade. She turned him to face her. Catching a rabbit or a squirrel for dinner is one thing, but cheating to win the hunt is another.

Winning an honor with dishonest tactics isn’t a win at all.

You’re sounding like Elm. Officially the village Blessed for a month and already spouting wisdom.

Plus, even if you would have killed that beast, how were you planning on getting it back to the village and convince everyone you took it down all by yourself? Glade flexed his arms. With these bad boys right here!

Dandi pushed his arms back to his sides. Please don't start kissing your arms or you're going to make me vomit. Sometimes I don't know who is worse, you or my brother.

No one would say Glade was the definition of physical perfection. That was normally a roll held by the hunters and scrappers. All day, they would spar with one another to stay in top physical condition. He couldn’t blame them, they had to hunt for meat or fight off any attackers at a moment's notice. It was the ego they carried that made them a pain to deal with. The women of their village flocked to them every time they returned from the forest. If the hunters were bait, Glade was repellent, and he didn’t mind. The constant training and attention would drive him mad.

Hunting wasn’t his forte, but it didn’t mean he was feeble. Being the only craftsman in the village, he had taken on the role of fixer. If a new dwelling needed making for a youngling coming of age, Glade was the one who built it. If something needed repairing in the village, Glade was the one everyone came to first. Also, he was the village's armorer. Mainly all they ever asked him to make was spears and torches, but it was still tough manual labor and he enjoyed it. Nothing gave Glade more pleasure than to plan and create something with his own two hands.

Stepping back, Glade made sure that no one could see his netting from the path, just in case another hunter was came by. They made their way back to pick up Glade's spear, gathering up the vine as they went. The last time they discovered him setting traps, they punished him with ten days of cleaning the chicken huts. It was a smell he would not soon forget. He had been a youngling, so the punishment was kind. If caught again, he was sure there would not be as much mercy.

After stopping to pick up Glade's spear, they made their way through the winding path towards the village. Dandi noticed Glade had not stopped staring at his hands holding the spear since they had picked it up along the way. Are you that impressed with your own craftsmanship or are you in love with spears on a personal level?

I'm sorry. Glade shook his head. I just- Why can't I- How am I so different from everyone else? The mixture of sadness and anger in his voice made Dandi soften.

She had watched Glade be an outcast from every group they had ever tried to be a part of growing up. Whenever they had training for hunting or fighting, Glade always tried to think his way around a situation. The laws of life clearly stood against that. Even when he tried his best to do exactly as he was told by the instructors, Glade never could quite get the hang of hunting or fighting. But, no matter how many times the villagers shunned him, she and her brother Lyon always stuck with their best friend, as he would do the same for them.

Dandi placed her hand on Glade's and slipped the spear from his grip. She stopped in front of him, taking his chin in her other hand. Making sure he was looking at her.

Because you 're special. She stepped in front of him.

I have seen you create things no one else in the village could have ever imagined. He turned his head away. Dandi jerked him back to her. You are the smartest person I know. Even if it is against the order, it is a beauty to watch you figure something out, Glade. I wouldn't trade you for a thousand more hunters.

Glade didn't know what to say. He had never been the person who could express their emotions. Sometimes it felt like a weakness to let someone inside the closed off little space where he kept those feelings. He felt that if you let anyone in, it could make you seem vulnerable.

Doing the only thing he knew would end this awkward conversation, Glade just grabbed her in a tight hug. She welcomed the gesture of her best friend, knowing it took a lot for him to show his appreciation. Dandi had never had a problem expressing herself. It was as if her feelings were out in the open and flowed like her long black hair. It was no surprise when they discovered she was the village's Blessed. When she spoke, people not only listened, but swooned and felt the impact of them.

Dandi handed him back his spear. Cheer up grass patch. She said, throwing on a big smile. After the ceremony you can go get the birthday present I got you. This broke the momentary echoes of self-doubt and replaced them with intrigue. A present? You've never given me a present before. What is it? he asked.

Dandi shook her head. I'm not telling. You're going to have to wait.

She knew about Glade's obsession with knowing everything, about anything. It would drive him crazy all day trying to figure it out, and she would love every second of watching him squirm.

Oh, come on, Dee Dee! he said, throwing his hands in the air. Fine, then. If you don't tell me, then I guess I can't take you with me to scavenge the ruins this time. He folded his arms and made sure not to make eye contact as he continued down the path, past her scowl. Not looking her in the eye as you talked was one of the few ways to make her skin crawl.

I can't go with you, anyway. So, ha. There was a tinge of disappointment in her voice.

Why not? We always go to the ruins together on my birthday. I was only joking.

Dandi waved off his concern. It's not my choice. I have to do the ritual after the ceremonies now. She sighed. You know I would If I could. Elm is requesting this directly. Dandi shifted her feet. I didn't want to distract you from the hunt today. That's why I didn't tell you. I'm sorry. Now it was Glade's turn to make her feel better. So, tell me about this present. He said, poking her in the arm. She grinned, Nice try. All I'm going to say is that it's where you hide all your other prizes. Now hurry, we're going to be late. RACE YOU! she yelled before turning and darting down the trail. Not fair. Glade followed in stride.

She is fast for such a little thing, Glade thought as he caught up to her. Not bad short stack. Glade said, laughing as he passed her. Dandi kicked out, trying to trip him, only tripping herself up and fall behind. Glade turned around and began running backwards to taunt her. Bad move on his part. His heel caught a root sticking out of the ground and sent him tumbling with his feet flipping over his head, skidding to a stop in the dirt. His spear went flying into the air, and Dandi trotted right past him.

He turned to notice he was only a couple of feet from the gate of the village as she leaned against it. What is it you always say, 'Slow and steady wins the race'? She asked in a very poor imitation of his voice. At least you hit something with that thing. She pointed to his spear, which had imbedded itself to the hilt in the very large wooden gate that stood in between the enormous tree post walls that surrounded the village.

About twenty feet above them, a man with a large bushy beard looked through a hole in the wall.

Who approaches the gate? said the guard in a deep, booming voice. You know who we are, Evergreen. Dandi replied as if annoyed. Glade stood up and dusted himself off. He gave the spear a couple of tugs, but it didn't budge. He looked up at Evergreen. Can you just open the gate? We don't want to be late. Again.

Evergreen furrowed his brow. Doncha tell me what to do, Glade. I'm a cown sil man now, an' you'll show some er-spect. The only thing worse than having to deal with Evergreens' poor attitude was trying to understand what the little man was attempting to say.

Glade swiped at some dirt on his pants, mumbling under his breath, I'll show you some respect, when you show me you know how to speak. Dandi slapped him on the arm. Fine, then. Glade said with exhaustion. It is I, Glade, your most humble servant. I am accompanied by my most estranged colleague, Dandi. We would like to inquire about the availability to enter this humble dwelling if it would appease the wishes of your kind generosity. Glade took a deep bow, almost touching his face to his knees. Even Dandi couldn't keep from snorting out a laugh.

Go ahead, keep smurtin' off like that. See if I help yins out any when the next meeting happens. By the way, you're already late. He said.

No were not. Glade responded. They haven't sounded the–. A booming horn cut him off, echoing into the forest. The hunt had ended and The Harvest Festival was about to begin. It told all the hunters to return and that if you were still in the forest without a catch, you had lost. Now you are. Evergreen said. His round face contorted with a grin, showing the only couple of teeth he had left. The gates slowly opened. Great. Glade thought. Time to face everyone as the village's smartest idiot once again. At least it can't get much worse now. She said. Glade shook his head as they walked through the gates. You just had to say it, didn't you? Dandi threw him a smile. Happy Birthday, Glade.

The Old Ones

If you were